弦

xián
HSK 6
#2,253 most
frequent character
bow string, string of musical instrument
noun
Measure words:根 gēn

Character breakdown

Source: Make Me a Hanzi.

弦 xián pairs 弓, a bow, with 玄 xuán, which shares the first sound. The bow fits the first sense, 'bowstring,' which grew to 'instrument string,' 'chord,' and 'hypotenuse.'

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Example Sentences

这把弦乐器的音色非常动听。
zhè bǎ xiányuè qì de yīnsè fēicháng dòngtīng 。
The sound of this string instrument is very beautiful.
他用弦来修理吉他。
tāyòng xián lái xiūlǐ jítā 。
He uses a string to repair the guitar.
数学课上我们学习了弦和直径的关系。
shùxué kè shàng wǒmen xuéxí le xián hé zhíjìng de guānxì 。
In math class, we studied the relationship between the chord and the diameter.

Words with similar meanings

线xiàn
line
This term refers to any straight or curved element, often seen in geometric or mathematical contexts.
弓弦gōngxián
bowstring
Specifically refers to the string of a bow, used in archery, and is a more specific type of 'string'.

Homophones

HSK 4
咸xián
salty
HSK 6
嫌xián
to dislike, suspicion, resentment
闲xián
not busy, idle, unoccupied, leisure
贤xián
worthy or virtuous person

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Public Lists with 弦

Music & Instruments
Genres of music, playing instruments, performances, and terms.
Math & Engineering
Algebra, geometry, machinery, structures, electronics, design.
HSK 6
All words for the HSK 6 test